The Silver Lion (or Leone d'Argento) refers to a number of awards presented at the Venice Film Festival. The prize is awarded irregularly and has gone through several changes of purpose. Until 1995, the award was infrequently given to a number of films as second prize for those nominated for the Golden Lion. At various times, the Silver Lion has also been awarded for debut films, short films, and direction.

Since 1998, Silver Lion for Best Direction has begun to become an annual award presented for best directing achievements in a feature film at official competition section.

From 1953 to 1957, the Silver Lion was awarded to a number of films nominated for the Golden Lion as a second prize. Since 1988, the Silver Lion has been given to one or more films nominated for the Golden Lion.